sometimes in a species of sardonic
humor, which was equally visible in her actions and her speech. But
the young man continued in this strain until they had reached Mrs.
Morpher's, and he had deposited Mliss in her maternal charge. Waiving
the invitation of Mrs. Morpher to refreshment and rest, and shading
his eyes with his hand to keep out the blue-eyed Clytemnestra's siren
glances, he excused himself, and went home.

For two or three days after the advent of the dramatic company, Mliss
was late at school, and the master's usual Friday afternoon ramble was
for once omitted, owing to the absence of his trustworthy guide. As he
was putting away his books and preparing to leave the schoolhouse, a
small voice piped at his side, "Please, sir?" The master turned and
there stood Aristides Morpher.

"Well, my little man," said the master, impatiently, "what is it?
quick!"

"Please, sir, me and 'Kerg' thinks that Mliss is going to run away
agin."

"What's that, sir?" said the master, with that unjust testiness with
which we always receive disagreeable news.

"Why, sir, she don't stay home any more, and 'Kerg' and me see her
talking with one of those actor fellers, and she's with him now; and
please, sir, yesterday she told 'Kerg' and me she could make a speech
as well as Miss Cellerstina Montmoressy, and she spouted right off by
heart," and the little fellow paused in a collapsed condition.

"What actor?" asked the master.

"Him as wears the shiny hat. And hair. And gold pin. And gold chain,"
said the just Aristides, putting periods for commas to eke out his
breath.

The master put on his gloves and hat, feeling an unpleasant tightness
in his chest and thorax, and walked out in the road. Aristides trotted
along by his side, endeavoring to keep pace with his short legs to the
master's strides, when the master stopped suddenly, and Aristides bumped
up against him. "Where were they talking?" asked the master, as if
continuing the conversation.

"At the Arcade," said Aristides.

When they reached the main street the master paused. "Run down home,"
said he to the boy. "If Mliss is there, come to the Arcade and tell me.
If she isn't there, stay home; run!" And off trotted the short-legged
Aristides.

The Arcade was just across the way--a long, rambling building containing
a barroom, billiard room, and restaurant. As the young man crossed the
plaza he noticed that two or three of the passers-by turned and looked
after